Tommy and I travelled to Palo Duro Canyon yesterday. The drive was enjoyable as always, and I encourage you to make the same trip! I did not make any pictures because my new Canon was hiding from me. I found it this morning.
Here is my review of the "Texas!" 2007 production:
In its 42nd Anniversary season, the play has an expected maturity and polish lacking in its early years. As usual, the play begins with a lone rider spotlighted at the top of the canyon carrying a Texas flag, a stirring sight indeed to all us native Texans. The script has settled back into the basic story that depicts the settlement of the Panhandle and conflict between "sodbusters" and cattlemen. While making the obligatory tip of the hat to the Comanches who were uprooted by the settlers, it largely ignores the cruelty that the Indians endured to ensure the "peaceful" possession of the High Plains. I find the brushing over of those historical facts to be a less than honest presentation of our history. The raid by Colonel McKenzie into the Canyon that ended the Comanche freedom did not result in wholesale slaughter of the Indians, but rather in the capture of their horses which ensured the death by starvation or capture of the people . As I sat in the beauty of the canyon, I could understand their reluctance to give up their home to the better-armed Texans.
The choreography of the play was outstanding. We are still chuckling in our house at the efforts of a New York choreographer brought in several years ago who made the cowboys look much to effeminate to be believed. Get Allyson and Andrea to do an imitation for you of those poor girly cowboys. Sitting next to me was a fellow from up north who is a professional entertainer who commented that he would like to see some of the footwork the cowboys did this year put into the show he travels with, it was vital and reminded me of the boisterous steps to be found in the movie, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" in its athleticism and vigor.
The music was great!! There was no canned accompaniment there but well-amplified accoustical guitar, violin, harmonica, and other instruments the settlers used. The simple old hymn book songs took on a special beauty when sung acapello or accompanied by a sweet violin with the red walls of the canyon as a backdrop.
Of course, one of the highlights was the end of first act thunderstorm (the only use of canned music, which was fine since it was Beethovens "Joyful, Joyful, we adore you" chorus ) in which Calvin Armstrong convinces the lovely Elsie McLean that the Texas thunderstorm is a scene of beauty and awesome power. The trademark bolt of lightning once again brought the audience to its feet, especially the children who were transfixed with the technical display.
The background of the canyon continues to be better utilized every time I see the play. As the play progresses, we see cowboys at work, horses and buggies, and in the second act even a real fire that simulates the huge prairie fires formerly hinted at. Real smoke, real fire, with three or four levels of what I presume to be gas burners was so real it was discomfiting.
The end of the play was stirring with a beautiful fireworks display and riders on horseback carrying the six flags of Texas across the landscape one at a time. And then the final United States flag--if you weren't on your feet before then, it will surely get you there.
As you walk out of the amphitheatre into the night, the horseback riders with flags line the walkway bringing the play right to you. Great theatre, folks, come see us in Lubbock and we'll take you there!!
